General Conditions

Weather has been a little cooler and cloudier than predicted; that’s good for fire danger and wildflowers.  There has also been more precipitation than forecast; afternoon clouds have built up on many days and we’ve had a few sprinkles.  Last Saturday there was a real dump — 20 minutes of heavy hail followed by half an hour of serious rain.  All with thunder (most lightning stayed in the clouds).  Trails this morning (July 31) were still showing signs of dampness, indicating that some of Saturday’s moisture sank in — also good for fire danger and wildflowers.

For weather details, visit the Central Sierra Snow Laboratory web site (https://cssl.berkeley.edu); click on the “Weather Condition Plots” and select “week”.   It takes a couple minutes for the data to load; be patient.  Webcams at Sugar Bowl (http://www.sugarbowl.com/home) and Donner Ski Ranch (http://webcams.donnerskiranch.com/) provide an up-to-the-minute views of current conditions.  Visibility today is at least 10 miles.

Wildfire: The seasonal campfire ban has been in effect since late June.  No open fires — including campfires, charcoal grills, etc.  Gas grills are OK.  Truckee Fire and Tahoe National Forest have both reduced their fire danger levels to “moderate”; but that can change with warmer and drier weather.  Be careful.  Find more information at https://www.truckeefire.org/fireban

Flora: Wildflowers are splendid in places that are relatively cool and moist.  Fireweed, which usually blooms a bit later, is in full flower.  Fireweed grows in large patches; the flowers are purplish.

Fauna: Mosquitoes are out; but they are past being annoying except at dawn and dusk near wet areas.

Radiation: Protect yourself against sun by wearing a hat and glasses; and use sun block.

Sunrise/Sunset: Today’s (July 31) sunrise was at 6:00 AM; sunset will be at 8:14 PM.  Sunrise drifted later by 6 minutes compared to a week ago. Sunset has drifted earlier by about 6 minutes. The days are getting shorter by almost 2 minutes per day.  The summer solstice was on June 20 when the Summit had its longest day (14 hours 57 minutes); today’s length of day is 14:14.

Star Gazing: The Moon is near first quarter.  Stargazing will be challenging over the next week because of moonlight scattered from the atmosphere.  The Perseids meteor shower peaks in about two weeks; but it’s best after midnight when we can see in the direction of the meteors’ source (the constellation Perseus).  We will have just passed the full Moon — so this is not a good year for Perseids.  On the other hand, moonlight sometimes makes picking out constellations easier.  Look for Scorpio to the south after dark — it resembles an anchor.  Sagittarius (a constellation that looks like a five-pointed star; some imagine a teapot) is to the southeast.  The Big Dipper is easily visible to the northwest with its handle pointing toward overhead.  Follow the arc of the handle to Arcturus, the only bright star in that part of the sky.  The easiest planet to spot is Venus — very bright  in the east at 4-5 AM.  With good viewing, you’ll be able to see Jupiter just before sunrise in the east..

Forecast

Today’s midday temperature was in the mid 70s.  Last night’s low was in the mid 40s.  Expect those conditions to continue through the weekend.  By this time next week, temperatures should be about 5° warmer.  Throughout the next two weeks, the forecast says “sunny”.  But experience over the past month suggests being prepared for afternoon showers is good practice.

Summit Calendar

July 28-August 1 (Monday-Friday) 8:30 AM-4:30 PM: The fourth and final week-long day camp at Sugar Bowl.  Aimed age-appropriately at kids 4-17 with hiking, rope skills, rock climbing, water fun and more.  For additional information, go to https://www.sugarbowl.com/events

July 28-August 1 (Monday-Friday): Plants and Wildflowers Science Camp by Headwaters Science Institute at Serene Lakes gives children ages 5-12 a chance to explore nature while having fun in the mountain environment.  For more information, go to https://headwatersscienceinstitute.org/science-camp/summer-camps/

August 2 (Saturday): Join the Donner Party Mountain Runners for the 4th annual running of the Point Mariah Trail Marathon.  Single, partner, and 5-person team categories are available.  For more information and registration, go to https://donnerpartymountainrunners.com/point-mariah-trail-marathon/

August 2 (Saturday) Noon – 3 PM: Tri-tip BBQ at the Soda Springs General Store from noon until supplies run out.  Live. music and wine tasting 1-3 PM.

August 4-8 (Monday-Friday): Animals and Insects Science Camp by Headwaters Science Institute at Serene Lakes gives children ages 5-12 a chance to explore nature while having fun in the mountain environment.  For more information, go to https://headwatersscienceinstitute.org/science-camp/summer-camps/

August 7 (Thursday) 8:30 AM – Noon: Join DSA and local rock climbers in a graffiti-removal project at the Summit tunnels and snowsheds (https://www.donnersummitca.com/project/graffiti-removal/).  Meet at The Hub (the top of Donner Pass Road), then paint over graffiti that mars the natural environment.  Wear clothing that doesn’t mind getting dirty and paint-splattered; tools and supplies are provided.  Rock climbing is not required.  E-mail pmalberg@ipc.org by August 4 to sign up.

August 9 (Saturday) 10 AM – 5 PM: Celebrate designation of the Chinese Camp at Donner Summit as a National Historic Landmark.  The Camp was home to laborers who dug the tunnels through Summit granite in the late 1860s, allowing completion of the Transcontinental Railroad.  The celebration will be in Sacramento.  More information is at https://1882foundation.org/

August 9 (Saturday) Noon – 3 PM: Tri-tip BBQ at the Soda Springs General Store from noon until supplies run out.  Live. music and wine tasting 1-3 PM.

August 23-24 (Saturday-Sunday): Join the Sacramento Pacific International Trials Society for its Cookie Crumble/Hard Head Trial event at Donner Ski Ranch.  For more information, visit https://www.sactopits.org/event-details/cookie-crumble-hard-head-at-donner-ski-ranch-august-23-24-2025

August 26 – October 15 (approx): Reconstruction of Van Norden Dam Road near Sheep Pens.  Road will be closed for 3 weeks starting about September 8.

September 20 (Saturday): DSA’s annual Summit Fest at Soda Springs Mountain Resort.  A benefit with live music, food, drinks, auctions, and fun.  Details soon.

September 20 (Saturday): South Yuba River Citizens League Annual Yuba River Clean-up.  There will be activities in Van Norden Meadow and at the Castle Peak trailhead.  Registration opens August 1.  Find more information at https://www.yubariver.org

October 4 and 5 (Saturday and Sunday): Donner Party Hikes.  Choose from among eight Saturday hikes with a guide who provides historical commentary.   Distances range from 2 to 6 miles.  There will be a Sunday tour at Alder Creek and an exploration at Donner Memorial State Park.  For more information and registration, go to https://donnerpartyhike.com/general-information/

Resorts

Boreal/Woodward (indoors) is open Monday-Friday 1-8 PM and weekends 10 AM – 8 PM.   There are a number of other possibilities ranging from 2-hour sessions to 5-day action camps.  Check https://www.rideboreal.com

Sugar Bowl winter operations are closed for the season.  For summer activities, check  https://www.sugarbowl.com

Donner Ski Ranch is closed for the season.   DSR’s Old 40 Bar and Grill is open daily from 8 AM. Disk golf is also open at DSR.  Check the DSR web site at https://www.donnerskiranch.com

Auburn Ski Club is closed for the season.   Check their web site — https://www.asctrainingcenter.org — for more information.

Soda Springs Mountain Resort is closed for the season.  For more information, visit https://www.skisodasprings.com/

Royal Gorge brings back its Summer Après Series —bigger, tastier, and more vibrant than ever. Join Fridays (plus a few select Saturdays) at Summit Station for golden-hour mountain views, seasonal eats, craft cocktails, and live music. Après runs 3-9 PM, with music 6-8 PM.  Go to https://www.royalgorge.com/home for more information.

Kingvale Resort (on the south side of I-80 at exit 171) is closed for the season.

Other Activities

If you’re looking for things to do in the foothills and mountains, Nevada County has some suggestions.  These are spread more broadly but some specifically include the Summit area.  Some link to other parts of this web site.

https://gonevadacounty.com/ways-to-beat-heat-that-arent-swimming/ (like ice cream)

Roads

I-80: The forecast is generally favorable for the next two weeks, but be alert to construction and lane closures.  There are at least three possible choke points eastbound — Crystal Springs to Drum Forebay, at the I-80/CA20 split, and between Rainbow Road and Soda Springs.  You can avoid the third by exiting at Cisco Grove and driving at a more leisurely pace on Hampshire Rocks Road, which parallels the freeway on the north side.   Continue onto Donner Pass Road all the way to Truckee.  Note that several ramps between Gold Run and Donner Summit are closed while being reconstructed.  Plan ahead by following CalTrans road reports at https://roads.dot.ca.gov.

General: Paved secondary roads around the Summit should be open with no restrictions.  Off-highway vehicle routes (unpaved) are mostly open, but watch for pot holes, rocks, and ruts.